Persistent oscillations in a traffic model with decision-making

Abstract

This work explores the nonlinear behaviour in a congestion charge model, which emphasizes the correlation between drivers' response and optimal traffic flow. The model assumes that all drivers follow the same common rules of rational thinking to avoid the congestion. There are two regimes in the model system. In free flow regime, the system has only one branch. In congested regime, the system bifurcates into two branches. Counter-intuitive behaviour of the model is caused by the oscillatory instability between two branches. Persistent oscillations reflect the intrinsic properties of decision-making process. Rational thinking provides limited adaptation capabilities to reach the optimal traffic flow. More past experiences and current options provide only marginal increase in capabilities to adapt to traffic situations. The idealized situations are also discussed.